Changes to Enbridge review process ‘outrageous’

By Jane Wilson–There was widespread outrage to the recently announced changes to the Enbridge review process, according to Skeena/Bulkley Valley MP Nathan Cullen.”We’ve been hearing from stunned constituents.who cannot believe the arrogance of this government and the utter disregard it has for a full examination of the huge environmental impacts and risks of the Enbridge pipeline,” said Mr. Cullen.When Finance Minister Jim Flaherty presented the federal budget last month, he promised to, “streamline the review process for major economic projects,” as well “strengthen pipeline and marine safety”. The streamlining means all major resource projects will have only one environmental assessment review that will last no more than 24 months. The change is retroactive, so the Enbridge review process, now underway, could end in May of this year, a full 18 months before it’s due to finish. The next Joint Review Panel hearings are due in Haida Gwaii at the beginning of June.”I’ve never heard of a government changing everything halfway through. They’re rigging the process and they’re not ashamed of it,” said Mr. Cullen, who also said the government is leaving the process open to court challenges.Mr. Cullen previously attacked the Minister of Natural Resources, Joe Oliver for having “brazenly undermined” the process. “What the minister is calling streamlining amounts to nothing more than a gutting of environmental protections,” said Mr. Cullen.